Prada Takes Opener of Challenger Finals

Prada of Italy accidentally bumped AmericaOne a minute before the start, then fought off a late surge by the U.S. boat in the first race of the America’s Cup challenger finals.

Skipper Francesco de Angelis and his crew won by 24 seconds today despite having to make a 360-degree turn as a penalty for the collision as the boats were jockeying for position.

He also had to counter maneuvers by AmericaOne helmsman Paul Cayard, who was behind by 28 seconds after the fifth of six legs but virtually even halfway up the final 3 1/2-mile leg with the wind coming from behind the boats.

The second race in the best-of-nine series to determine the finalist against defending champion New Zealand is scheduled for Thursday. Italy is trying to become the fourth nation in 17 years to claim the Cup.

The beginning of the challenger final had been delayed 24 hours by heavy winds and rough seas. It finally began with moderate wind of 14 knots that diminished later.

The Italians, though, had the last word, leading at the end of all six legs.

Today’s race started out well for AmericaOne. Cayard knew Prada would have to make a penalty turn, expected to take 30 to 40 seconds, at a point of Prada’s choice.

De Angelis picked the right spot, midway through the 18 1/2-mile race in the Hauraki Gulf. As Prada approached the end of the third leg, it led by about a minute. That’s when the silver-hulled boat served its penalty.

When the circle was complete, the Italians led by 25 seconds.

AmericaOne’s tactics were not enough to catch Prada, which led by 34 seconds after the fourth leg and 28 seconds after the fifth.

The tension and excitement built on the last leg as Cayard made his surge, going to the left side of the course and then heading for the right, hoping to find more wind. But in the last 30 seconds of the race, AmericaOne lost speed.